Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Hansard source

With great respect, that is not the case. I think the conclusion Senator Bishop would like to come to is not open to him on the facts and the circumstances. With great respect, whether or not an Australian citizen in the Australian military avails himself of a High Court challenge will not necessarily be related to the pontifications—albeit undoubtedly very good ones—of a Senate committee. To suggest that if all of these things had been adopted it would have avoided any High Court challenge is an attempt to look into a crystal ball, which is not an appropriate suggestion for the honourable senator to make. It is before the High Court. The High Court will determine the matter. The other matters will proceed, as I understand the situation, on the basis which would have been anticipated prior to the High Court challenge.